Apparatus for a size adjustable container

ABSTRACT

An apparatus allowing for the adjustment of the size and volumetric content of a container is presented. The container is constructed such that numerous component sections, in which foodstuff or the like can be stored, can be added or removed one to/from the other, respectively, as is desired. Each of the component sections has an annular threaded portion that is sized so as to allow the top or bottom of another like component section to be screw fitted onto the first. In this manner then, component sections can be screw fitted one on top of another thereby allowing for adjustment of the overall size and volumetric content of the container. One component section acts as a base, having a solid bottom, while another component acts as the top onto which a cap/lid can be screw fitted. Each component section can additionally be individually sealed by the addition of a solid bottom and/or of a foil or plastic cover to seal over the section&#39;s openings.

PRIOR PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/921,773 filed Apr. 4, 2007, the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for asize-adjustable container, and more particularly, to the construction ofa container that is easily adjustable by size via one or more componentpieces without removal of the contents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Through-out the history of the food service industry, restaurant ownersand other purveyors of foodstuffs have always been confronted with theproblem of having adequate storage space for their consumables,especially in environments such as crowded cities where such space is ata premium. The problem becomes especially problematic when such limitedstorage space is filled by containers which are less than full. Manyowners surreptitiously solve the problem by having their employees emptythe half full containers and then consolidate the contents of many suchcontainers into one container. This, however, is obviously less than anoptimum solution and is potentially seriously problematic.

In addition, the ordering of the quantities of such foodstuffs would begreatly enhanced if the owners did not have to concern themselves somuch with what size containers the consumable products would be shippedin and how much resultant space such containers would occupy oncereceived and until emptied. Many have heretofore dealt with the problemby simply waiting until the consumables were completely expended beforeordering additional supplies. In result this can cause havoc with theavailable menu, a situation many owners find untenable and/orunacceptable.

As current rigid containers, regardless of their size and shape, do notallow for adjustment of content space, solutions for allowing suchflexibility of the container size include squeeze tubes and/or bags.While not rigid, both solutions allow for variation of the containersize as the contents are utilized.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,684, issued Aug. 12, 1997 to Krall,relates to a plastic squeeze tube and dispensing system that includes aplastic tube that has a first end that is closed and a second end thatis closed by an integral wall and that has inter-engaging threadsprovided for engagement with threads on a reusable dispenser. Thereusable dispenser has a member for piercing the integral wall of thesecond end. When a user wishes to dispense the contents of the tube theexternal threads of the dispenser are threaded onto the second end ofthe tube to pierce the integral wall of the tube.

Also for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,631, issued Oct. 8, 1991 toRobbins, relates to a one-piece bag for potable liquids (e.g.,beverages) that includes a body portion formed of a plastics materialand sized to accommodate a predetermined volume of potable liquid. Adispenser, allowing access to the potable liquid within the bodyportion, is interconnected to the body portion by a flexible bellowsmember. This then allows the dispenser to be foldable between a stowedposition (e.g., during periods of nonuse) and an erected position (e.g.,during periods of use). A recess may be formed in the body portion(e.g., in a side wall and/or an upper portion thereof) so as toaccommodate the dispenser in its stowed position. Longitudinal rigidityand stability may be provided by a series of circumferentiallyspaced-apart ribs integrally formed on the otherwise flexible (andcollapsible) body portion.

These typical flexible containers, however, have several problems. Forexample, the containers usually need to be collapsed during use so as toassist in removal of the food or beverage contents through thedispenser. In addition, once the dispensers have ruptured the cover ofthe opening, there is really no effective seal formed between thedispenser and the container.

In addition, it is clear that in both instances the solutions aregenerally only utilizable for small quantities and are not easilymanageable for large quantities of foodstuffs or goods, both in terms ofuse and storage.

Alternatively, in instances where more rigid containers are used that doallow for stacking, they do not allow for adjustment of capacity withinthe container.

For instance, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0178054,published on Aug. 18, 2005, relates to a culture jar that is used forthe growing of mushrooms. The jar acts as a culture container and has afilter cap for ventilation purposes that can be used with a variety offilter membranes. Additionally, the jar allows vertical interfacing ofone jar on top of another. However, in allowing for such stacking, thedisclosure for the culture jar specifically teaches that the bottom endof each vessel member (i.e., each culture jar) is closed. That is, thevolumetric capacity of each of the culture jars is fixed and disposed assuch in order to contain a culture medium necessary for the growing ofthe mushrooms. Such is taught by the disclosure of the culture jarapplication in at least paragraph 5.

Therefore there is clearly a need in the industry that will allow forthe easy size adjustment of containers, easy adjustment of the storagecapacity within the container, and the easy selection of appropriatesize containers for the storage of large quantities of disposablefoodstuffs and goods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a size adjustable containerthat allows for a user to increase or decrease container volumetriccapacity by the addition or removal of component sections of thecontainer.

Each component section of the container is constructed to have anannular thread portion on each of its top and bottom. The annular threadportion at the top of the component section of the container isconstructed so as to allow a cap, lid or additional component section tobe screw fitted onto it, while the annular thread portion at the bottomof the component section of the container is constructed so as to allowthe top of another component section to be screw fitted into it.

In addition, each container has a component section that operates as abase. The base component section has a solid bottom and operates as thesection upon which all other component sections are built and/or added.Such base can be constructed to allow for volumetric capacity or not.

Lastly, the each component sections/portions of the container can besized differently to hold differing volumetric capacities of thefoodstuff or beverage. Such sizing is accomplished through sizing of theheight of the individual component sections. Thus one container may becomprised of multiple component sections, each component section havinga differing volumetric size and/or content.

Accordingly, the present invention offers several objects and advantagesin that it: allows the contents at the bottom of a container to be moreeasily accessible; acts as a space saver when contents are depleted; andallows for an increase in size when needed when adding contents to thecontainer. In this manner then, one container now serves/acts as severaldifferent size containers by simply removing or adding sections.

The present invention, including its features and advantages, willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a perspective view of a containerconsisting of multiple parts connected together, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a perspective view of the same containershown in FIG. 1 with one component section removed thus illustratingsize adjustability, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of thecontainer shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view showing amodification to a bottom portion of one component of the container,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view showing amodification to a top portion of several components of the container,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an overhead view showing the modificationin FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of a containerconsisting of multiple parts connected together, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 6 show the construction of a size adjustable containeraccording to differing embodiments of the present invention. A sizeadjustable container 100 is of a generally cylindrical shape andconsists of multiple components, such components including a bottom basesection 110, an upper section 120, and a lid 140. It is to beunderstood, of course, that the container 100 may be constructed to beany shape, such as for example of that of a square or rectangular shape.It is to be further understood, of course, that multiple upper sections120 may be utilized, as will be described below. Such constructionallows for the container and its individual components to be constructedof any size.

The preferred materials for construction of the components of the sizeadjustable container are plastics, such as polyethylene-terephthalate(PET) and polypropylene (PP), or glass. It is to be understood, ofcourse, that any durable materials that allow for rigidity of thecontainer may be utilized in its construction.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a preferred embodiment of thecontainer 100 in its generally cylindrical shape is shown in varyingsize configurations. In FIG. 1A specifically, the container 100 isillustrated comprising a bottom section 110, one upper section 120, anda lid 140. The bottom section 110 acts as a base for the container 100,and has a solid bottom. In this example, bottom section 110 isconstructed so as to allow for some volumetric containment space,although it is to be understood that this need not be the case in everyinstance.

The upper section 120 is constructed so as to allow for screw fitting ontop of the bottom section, as will be further described below, and in apreferred embodiment is open at both the top and the bottom thereof. Inother words, the containment cavity (not labeled) inside upper section120 is not enclosed at either the top or bottom when the upper sectionis considered by itself. The lid 140 is then screw-fitted, as will befurther described below, onto the upper section 120.

It is to be understood, of course, that the individual sizes, that isthe volumetric capacities, of the varying upper, lower and bottomsections may be different. In other words, the bottom section 110 may beconstructed to hold a greater or smaller volume content than each of theupper sections 120 placed upon it. Likewise, each upper section 120 maybe of a varying volumetric capacity than its brethren.

In FIG. 1B specifically, the container 100 is illustrated having beenreduced in size such that it comprises only the bottom section 110 andthe lid 140. That is, upper section 120 has been removed.

The manner in which the size adjustable container 100 is volumetricallyadjusted is mechanically easy. First, the lid 140 is removed. In oneembodiment the lid 140 is twisted in a counterclockwise motion whileholding the top section 120 of the container 100 in place. Second, oncethe contents of the top section 120 of the container 100 have beenremoved, the top section 120 of the container 100 is twisted in acounterclockwise motion while holding the bottom section 110 of thecontainer 100 in place. Lastly, the lid 140 is replaced on top of thebottom section 110 by twisting in a clockwise motion while holding thebottom section 110 in place until the lid 140 is tightly secured.

It is to be understood, of course, that the size adjustable container100 can also be adjusted to add volumetric content to the container.That is, container 100 may be increased in size. Like the decrease insize described in the previous paragraph above, the increase in size ofcontainer 100 is also mechanically easy. First, as before, the lid 140is removed. In order to remove the lid 140, it is again twisted in acounterclockwise motion while holding the top section 120 or bottomsection 110, such being dependent on how many sections the currentembodiment of the container 100 has in place. Second, a new top section120 may be added onto container 100 by twisting the new top section 120onto the current sized container 100 in a clockwise motion while holdingthe rest of the container in place. This step can be repeated as manytimes as needed to gain the desired volume. Lastly, the lid 140 istwisted in a clockwise motion on top of the uppermost top section 120while holding that top section 120 in place until the lid 140 is tightlysecured.

It is to be understood, of course, that such unfastening and fastening(engaging or un-engaging) of the varying components of the container 100may be accomplished by means other than twisting. Any means that allowsfor air-tight storage is acceptable. For example, such components may besnap fitted one to the other.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded perspective view of size adjustablecontainer 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In this Figure it is shown that lid 140 is threaded on aninner annular circumference of skirt 138, and that upper section 120 isthreaded on an outer annular circumference of neck 125. The threading ofeach annular circumference of skirt 138 and neck 125 are constructed soas to be inter-engaging to the other. In this manner then, the innerannular circumference threading of skirt 138 allows the lid 140 to bescrewed and unscrewed onto the outer annular circumference threading ofneck 138 of the upper section 120 of the top half of container 100.

Again now referring to FIG. 2, a lower portion of upper section 120 ofthe top half of the container 100 is threaded on an inner annularcircumference of skirt 118, and an upper portion of bottom section 110is threaded on an outer annular circumference of neck 115. Once againthe threading of each annular circumference of skirt 118 and neck 115are constructed so as to be inter-engaging to the other. In this mannerthen such inner annular circumference threading allows the upper section120 to be screwed and unscrewed from an outer annular circumference ofneck 115 of an upper portion of the bottom section 110 of the container100. It is to be understood, of course, that the inner annular threadsand the outer annular threads are identical on each of their respectivecomponents thus allowing for interchangeability of mating of variouscomponents. It is to be further understood, that such screw-fitting viathe threading of the various components allows for air-tight storage, asis well-known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a modification to the construction design ofone of the various components of the size adjustable container is shown.In this embodiment, container 300 has an upper section 320 with amodified lower portion consisting of a solid bottom 323. The solidbottom 323 is integrally constructed with that of the sides of the uppersection 320 and covers the entire circumferential area. Thus theaddition of a solid bottom 323 to the inside of upper section 320 allowsfor closure on one end of the section's containment cavity (notlabeled). It is to be understood then that the addition of the solidbottom allows for keeping the contents in the bottom section to whichthe upper section is screw fitted to remain fresh until needed. This istrue even in the case where the contents of the upper section spoil. Itis also to be understood then that the addition of the solid bottomallows for separation of the contents one from the another in each ofthe section (e.g., keeping cereal in the top section while keeping milkin the bottom section). It is yet also to be understood then that oncethe top section of the container is removed, it can now be used on itsown as an additional container because of its solid bottom.

As in the previous embodiment described above, depending from the solidbottom 323 is a skirt 318 with inner annular circumferential threading.Thus, as described above, the upper section 320 can be screw fitted ontoa lower section 310 by inter-engagement of the threads on the innerannular circumference of the skirt 318 and the threads on the outerannular circumference of the neck 315.

Also as in the previous embodiment described above, depending from thelid 340 is a skirt 338 with inner annular circumferential threading.Thus, as described above, the lid 340 can be screw fitted onto an uppersection 320 by inter-engagement of the threads on the inner annularcircumference of the skirt 338 and the threads on the outer annularcircumference of the neck 325.

Referring now in conjunction to FIGS. 4 and 5, yet a furthermodification to one of the various components of the construction designof the size adjustable container is shown. In this modification,containers 400 and 500 of the two figures respectively have “freshness”seals attached to the tops of each of the individual section components.In FIG. 4, for instance, bottom section 410 has a freshness seal 417attached across the opening defined by neck 415, upper section 420 has afreshness seal 427 attached across the opening defined by neck 425. InFIG. 5, freshness seal 517 is attached across the upper opening definedin section 510.

The freshness seals 417, 427 and/or 517 can be thermally sealed acrosstheir respective openings by well-known means and are thus utilized tokeep the contents under the seal fresh until the contents in anysections above are used. The seals do not restrict the addition orremoval of the various sections. Once the above section is removed, thefreshness seal can be peeled back to expose the contents below.Accordingly, it is to be understood that the addition of the freshnessseal allows the contents in the bottom section of the container to stayfresh longer similar to the addition of the solid bottom as describeabove.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exploded perspective view of an embodimentof the present invention in which bottom section 110 has little to novolumetric content and each of the upper sections 120 and 130 placedupon it are of differing volumetric contents is shown. Bottom section110, therefore is utilized not for storage capacity, but as a base uponwhich to place upper sections which are utilized for the storage. Inthis embodiment, the differing storage capacity's of sections 120 and130 are shown by markings “A” and “B” wherein “A” is a greatervolumetric capacity than “B”. It is also to be understood that while inthe preferred embodiment, the containment cavities of sections 120 and130 are open at each end, it is possible to add a solid bottom (asdescribed above) to each section if so desired. It is also to beunderstood that adding and/or removing sections is carried out in thesame manner as previously disclosed above.

Thus as can be seen from the above description, several advantages ofthe size adjustable container according to the embodiments of thepresent invention become evident. For instance, the ability to remove asection from the container would allow for saving space in therefrigerator or on the shelf. This is especially effective forsituations when goods are bought in bulk, while still allowing forcreation of more storage space as the goods are consumed.

Also removal of a section from the container would allow for access tothe contents of the remaining section(s) more easily and freely. Anunderstandable example of this would be getting the last portions ofpeanut butter out of a peanut butterjar.

Also, alternatively, the addition of a section to the container wouldallow for creation of additional volume to the container, thus allowingfor additional contents to be stored. An understandable example of thiswould be when saving leftovers from dinner and adding container sectionsas needed according to the amount leftover.

In the foregoing description, the method and apparatus of the presentinvention have been described with reference to specific examples. It isto be understood and expected that variations in the principles of themethod and apparatus herein disclosed may be made by one skilled in theart and it is intended that such modifications, changes, andsubstitutions are to be included within the scope of the presentinvention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and thedrawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather thanin a restrictive sense.

1. A size adjustable container, the container comprising: a base, havinga solid bottom and an open top, wherein the open top of the base isdefined by a neck; at least one upper section, defining a containmentcavity having an open top and open bottom, wherein the open top of theat least one upper section is defined by a neck and the open bottom ofthe at least one upper section is defined by a skirt; and a lid, havinga skirt, wherein the open top of the base is engaged with the openbottom of the at least one upper section, wherein the open top of the atleast one upper section is engaged with the skirt of the lid, andwherein such engagements allow for an air-tight connection.
 2. The sizeadjustable container according to claim 1, wherein a volumetric capacityof the containment cavity can be increased or decreased by adding orremoving, respectively, at least one upper section.
 3. The sizeadjustable container according to claim 1, wherein each one of the atleast one upper sections may be constructed so as to define a differentsize containment cavity.
 4. The size adjustable container according toclaim 2, wherein the volumetric capacity is adjusted by adding orremoving as desired the at least one upper section located between twoother adjacent at least one upper sections or between another adjacentat least one upper section and either the base or the lid.
 5. The sizeadjustable container according to claim 1, wherein the base is engagedwith the at least one upper section by engagement of a thread located onan outside annular surface of the neck of the base and a thread locatedon an inner annular surface of the skirt of at least one upper section.6. The size adjustable container according to claim 1, wherein the atleast one upper section is engaged to the lid by engagement of a threadlocated on an outside annular surface of the neck of the at least oneupper section and a thread located on an inner annular surface of theskirt of the lid.
 7. The size adjustable container according to claim 1,wherein the at least one upper section further comprises: a freshnessseal, attached across the neck of the at least one upper section.
 8. Thesize adjustable container according to claim 1, wherein the at least oneupper section further comprises: a solid bottom, and wherein the skirtof the at least one upper section then depends from the solid bottom. 9.The size adjustable container according to claim 1, wherein the shape ofthe size adjustable container has one of a circular, oval, square,rectangular or triangular shape.
 10. The size adjustable containeraccording to claim 1, wherein the base, at least one upper section andlid are constructed of one of plastics, glass or metals.
 11. Anapparatus for the storage containment of foodstuffs and the like, theapparatus comprising: a bottom section defining a circumference of acapacity for storage containment; at least one additional section,attached on top of the bottom section and defining a volume of capacityfor storage containment; and a top section, attached on top of theuppermost at least one additional section and defining an end of thevolumetric capacity for storage containment, wherein the attachment ofeach section to the other provides for an air-tight seal.
 12. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attachment of each sectionto another is by one of snap-fit or screw-thread.
 13. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein various ones of the at least oneadditional section define differing volumes of capacity for storagecontainment.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at leastone of the at least one additional section has a solid bottom, therebydividing the volumetric capacity for storage containment.
 15. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the volumetric capacity forstorage containment can be increased or decreased by adding or removing,respectively, at least one additional section.
 16. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one additional sectionfurther comprises: a freshness seal attached across the volumetriccapacity for storage containment of the at least one additional section.17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of theapparatus is either a circular, oval, square, rectangular or triangularshape.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the materialsutilized in the construction of the apparatus are comprised of at leastone of plastic, glass or metal.